Press Release

Gutierrez Reminds Over 175,000 IL Residents of Unclaimed Stimulus Checks
One Week Remains to File for Federal Rebate Checks

October 6, 2008

Media Contact: Rebecca Dreilinger (202) 225-8203


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


(Washington, D.C.)
 Over 175,000 federal rebate checks have gone unclaimed in Illinois, approximately 84,300 of which are in Cook County. As the October 15th deadline to reclaim them swiftly approaches, U.S. Congressman Luis V. Gutierrez (D-IL) reminds eligible recipients—including social security beneficiaries and disabled veterans, who do not normally need to file annual income tax returns— to file Special Form 1040A and reclaim up to $600 per individual, $1,200 per married couple, and an additional $300 per child.

This February, Congress passed and the White House signed bipartisan economic stimulus legislation to help hardworking Americans who are struggling with the high costs of gas, health care and groceries.

"It's not too late for eligible Chicago residents to claim their money" said Rep. Gutierrez. "Congress passed this legislation to help individuals and families who are struggling in a time of economic uncertainty. This legislation was intended to put hundreds of dollars into the hands of more than 130 million American families, including seniors and disabled veterans, who have given so much in service to our country."

The legislation also expands financing opportunities for Americans in danger of losing their homes because of the mortgage crisis; builds on the child tax credit by offering a one-time rebate of $300 per child; promotes small business investment in plants and equipment; and helps create 500,000 jobs by the end of the year.

Constituents who have not yet filed for their return can visit www.irs.gov and click on the "Stimulus Payment" icon; help is available in English and in Spanish. Eligible recipients may also visit a Taxpayer Assistance Center for help filing the Special Form 1040A.  To find the Taxpayer Assistance Center nearest you, please visit www.irs.gov/localcontacts/index.html. As always, constituents should also feel free to contact the office of Congressman Gutierrez at 773-342-0774 with any questions.

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